Garden Gossip

Have you ever scrolled past a gorgeous old stone house in Italy and thought, “I could live like that”? Our guest Debbie Levitt did more than dream. An American who now lives full-time on the island of Sardinia, Debbie is an Italian citizen who calls herself the Italian Inpat: an immigrant who came to Italy and found home, not an American who left. In this candid conversation on Big Blend Radio, Debbie shares what it really takes to make the move. She talks about how two days added to a 2017 vacation turned into a self-employment visa, five suitcases and a new life, and why she kept her move easy to undo for the first two years. You’ll hear about: - The difference between an “expat” and an “inpat” - The visa paths Debbie mentions, from self-employment to investment, retirement and digital nomad visas - Why citizenship takes years, and what Debbie understands about recent changes to citizenship by ancestry - Paperwork stories, including the flight to Rome to swear she is really herself - Why a geometra (a local surveyor) belongs on your team before you buy, and how zoning can surprise you - The truth about one-euro houses: distressed properties, hidden costs and villages with no grocery store - The residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) wait - Everyday life in rural Sardinia, from the village butcher to the driving school saga Today closes out Italian American Heritage Month, and we’re marking it with the real story of moving to Italy. Debbie shares her personal experience and general information. This is not legal or immigration advice, so check current rules with an immigration attorney or official sources. Links: - Debbie Levitt, Italian Inpat (the first call is free): https://ItalianInpat.com  - Follow Big Blend Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigBlendRadio 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast, Glynn Burrows takes us beyond our garden for a wander through England's forests — ancient and modern, native and man-made — and what a single tree can teach us about history, health, and home. But wait....castle gardens are full of trees!  From Sherwood's legendary (and ailing) Major Oak to Thetford's man-made pine forest, from tree-ring dendrochronology to the real origin of the word "underdog," this one covers a lot of ground. Along the way: tree equity and environmental justice in American cities, why a felled tree feels like a genuine loss, cemetery bird-watching, England's Heritage Open Days, and a closing reading of Joyce Kilmer's "Trees." Read the companion article, "England's Ancient Trees: A Personal Tour of Britain's Forests," and check out Glynn's Digital Magazine at the links below. And what a great episode with today (Sept. 26) being National Public Lands Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, and Lumberjack Day! Resource Links: - Article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/englands-ancient-trees - Check out Glynn's "English Connection" Podcast & Magazine on his website https://www.englishconnection.uk/ - Glynn's new English Connection Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594366433338 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Most people know the area for Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous house, but it's actually a mecca for Wright's work. Debbie starts at Polymath Park, a private conservation effort by Tom and Heather Papinchak. There, two Wright homes, Duncan House and Mäntylä, were taken apart piece by piece in Illinois and Minnesota and rebuilt in the Pennsylvania woods. She shares what it's like to actually spend the night in Mäntylä, living with Wright's design and his blurring of indoors and outdoors, and waking to a deer crossing the yard. She also describes dinner in a private treehouse-style dining pod at TreeTops Restaurant, with Heather Papinchak as chef. From there it's on to Kentuck Knob, one of Wright's last projects. It has an "invisible" window, a Woodland Walk with a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a British lord as its current owner. The finale is Fallingwater, the cantilevered masterpiece built over a waterfall so the Kaufmann family could hear the water throughout the house, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read Debbie's article: - https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/frank-lloyd-wright-laurel-highlands  Plan your visit: - Polymath Park: https://www.polymathpark.com  - Kentuck Knob: https://www.kentuckknob.com  - Fallingwater: https://www.fallingwater.com  - Laurel Highlands: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com  Global Adventures with Debbie Stone: - Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-with-debbie-stone  - Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-travel-magazine 

Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure.  Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island. From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway. They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe. For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures. - Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia  - And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child    - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com  - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/  - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou takes us on a vibrant journey through some of Southern California’s most stunning botanical gardens. From the colorful tulip displays at Descanso Gardens to the expansive collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Linda shares her favorite places to experience spring blooms, tranquil landscapes, and diverse plant life. Discover the scenic hillside paths of Ventura Botanical Gardens, the native plant sanctuary of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the magical, world-renowned beauty of Lotusland. As a special bonus, Linda also highlights Sacred Space in Summerlin, a peaceful meditation garden that offers a unique retreat for reflection and connection. Along the way, Linda shares tips for planning your visits, insights on the importance of native plants and conservation, and why botanical gardens offer a meaningful way to connect with nature. 🌿 Garden Websites & Article Links: Descanso Gardens: https://www.descansogardens.org  The Huntington: https://www.huntington.org  Ventura Botanical Gardens: https://www.venturabotanicalgardens.com  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: https://sbbotanicgarden.org  Lotusland: https://www.lotusland.org  Sacred Space: https://lostangeladventures.com/f/top-secret-sacred-space  Southern California Gardens Article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/linda-ballou-shares-her-five-favorite-southern-california-botanical-gardens/ 📖 Explore the NEW “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/  🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com  https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST: Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 

In this shared Big Blend Radio "Pet Connection" episode for Pet Poison Prevention Month, we sit down with co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHouseSitters.com, to uncover the hidden hazards lurking in our homes and gardens.  From common kitchen staples like chocolate to beautiful but deadly lilies, Angela shares expert insights on how to pet-proof your environment. Whether you are a long-time pet owner or a dedicated pet sitter, this conversation provides the practical tools and awareness needed to prevent emergencies and keep our furry friends thriving. Read more from the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=poison 

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beman Dawes and Bertie Dawes. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy. In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy. From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees. 🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants and strengthen local ecosystems. The conversation also highlights community celebrations and unique events that bring residents and visitors together each spring. From the Tule River Parkway and Dry Creek Preserve to blooming meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, discover how spring transforms the landscape into a colorful playground for hikers, photographers, gardeners, and nature lovers. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm  * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  * Cathy Capone - Tule River Parkway Association https://www.tuleriverparkwayassociation.org/  PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/  NEW! CHECK OUT THE "CALIFORNIA SEQUOIA COUNTRY" DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/lhko/#p=1  THIS EPISODE is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend", "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork   Photos: VisitVisalia.com & Big Blend Media 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Podcast, historian and custom tour guide Glynn Burrows invites you to explore the enchanting world of England’s gardens, farms, and countryside. From iconic roses and fragrant spring blooms to historic estates and sustainable gardening practices, this engaging conversation reveals why England is a true paradise for garden lovers and slow travelers alike. Along the way, Glynn shares insights on garden design traditions, wildlife conservation, farm-to-table experiences, and the cultural and spiritual connections people have with green spaces across the English landscape. Whether you’re planning a spring getaway, love botanical gardens, or simply enjoy armchair travel, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for experiencing England’s natural beauty. 🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/springtime-in-england  📖 Explore his digital magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/#p=1  🎧 Follow the English Connection podcast (airs every 4th Saturday): https://english-connection.podbean.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Garden Gossip" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, author of the new book “The Continuous Vegetable Garden” publishing February 3, 2026  (Quarto). With National Seed Swap Day (January 31) around the corner, this timely conversation highlights how seed saving, self-sowing vegetables, and perennial edibles are key to creating a low-effort, high-yield garden that sustains itself season after season. Charlie shares practical, repeatable techniques that reduce the need for constant replanting and indoor seed starting, while extending harvests well beyond summer — even into winter. We talk about soil health, lasagna gardening, growing mushrooms at home, and why letting nature do its thing creates a resilient garden ecosystem. From balcony containers to backyard beds, this episode shows how thoughtful planning, seed sharing, and working with nature can lead to abundant harvests, better flavor, and a deeper connection to the food you grow. Learn more about Charlie Nardozzi: https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork